Isopropyl Palmitate - Descrizione

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"Descrizione"
by A_Partyns (12876 pt)

2024-Oct-02 17:48

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Isopropyl palmitate is an ester formed by the reaction between isopropyl alcohol (C₃H₈O) and palmitic acid (C₁₆H₃₂O₂). The chemical structure consists of a hydrophilic (water-attracting) isopropyl group and a hydrophobic (water-repelling) fatty acid chain. This combination of properties allows it to act as a bridging agent between oil and water-based components in cosmetic formulations, enhancing both product stability and skin penetration.

Physical Properties
Isopropyl palmitate is a colorless to pale yellow, odorless liquid at room temperature. It is highly soluble in oils and other organic solvents but insoluble in water. It has a low viscosity, making it easy to spread on the skin and contributing to its lightweight, non-greasy feel. The ester has a melting point of around 13-14°C and a boiling point of approximately 282°C. Its emollient properties help reduce the greasy or heavy feel of oily products, making formulations more pleasant to use.

Production Process
Isopropyl palmitate is produced through the following steps:

Esterification: Palmitic acid, typically derived from palm oil, reacts with isopropyl alcohol under controlled conditions to form the ester compound. This process involves the removal of a water molecule as the two components combine.
Purification: The resulting product is refined and purified to ensure the removal of any residual reactants or byproducts, producing a high-quality ester suitable for use in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations.
Quality Control and Packaging: The purified isopropyl palmitate is subjected to quality control tests to confirm its purity and performance characteristics before being packaged for use in product formulations.

Applications

Cosmetics: Isopropyl palmitate is widely used as an emollient in lotions, creams, and other personal care products. It enhances the spreadability of products, making them feel smooth and silky on the skin. It also acts as a solvent for active ingredients and helps improve the absorption of moisturizing and anti-aging compounds. Additionally, it is used as a thickener to give products a more luxurious texture without making them feel heavy or greasy.
Hair Care: In hair care formulations, isopropyl palmitate helps condition and soften the hair while improving the spreadability and texture of products such as conditioners, styling creams, and serums.
Makeup: Isopropyl palmitate is often used in makeup products such as foundations, blushes, and lipsticks to improve their spreadability and ensure even application. It prevents the formulation from feeling too heavy on the skin, providing a lightweight finish.

INCI Functios:

Skin conditioning agent - Emollient. Emollients have the characteristic of enhancing the skin barrier through a source of exogenous lipids that adhere to the skin, improving barrier properties by filling gaps in intercorneocyte clusters to improve hydration while protecting against inflammation. In practice, they have the ability to create a barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss. Emollients are described as degreasing or refreshing additives that improve the lipid content of the upper layers of the skin by preventing degreasing and drying of the skin. The problem with emollients is that many have a strong lipophilic character and are identified as occlusive ingredients; they are oily and fatty materials that remain on the skin surface and reduce transepidermal water loss. In cosmetics, emollients and moisturisers are often considered synonymous with humectants and occlusives.

Binder. A binding compound that is used in cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical products as an anti-caking agent with the function of making the product in which it is incorporated silky, compact and homogenous. The binder, either natural such as mucilage, gums and starches or chemical, may be in the form of a powder or liquid.

Fragrance. It plays a very important role in the formulation of cosmetic products as it allows perfume to be enhanced, masked or added to the final product, improving its commercial viability. The consumer always expects to find a pleasant scent in a cosmetic product.

Pharmaceuticals: In topical medications, isopropyl palmitate serves as a vehicle to enhance the absorption of active ingredients through the skin, improving the effectiveness of treatments such as creams and ointments.

Environmental and Safety Considerations
Isopropyl palmitate is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products. It is non-toxic, non-irritating, and non-sensitizing when applied to the skin. However, in rare cases, it may cause mild irritation or allergic reactions in individuals with very sensitive skin, so it should be used in accordance with recommended guidelines. It is important to source isopropyl palmitate responsibly, as it is often derived from palm oil, a resource that can contribute to deforestation and habitat destruction if not sustainably sourced.

Environmentally, isopropyl palmitate is not biodegradable, and when used in wash-off products, it may contribute to water pollution if not managed properly. Therefore, formulations that use isopropyl palmitate should aim to minimize its environmental impact by using sustainable palm oil sources certified by organizations like the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO).